Zimbabwe’s Inaugural Women’s Awards to Mark IWD

CENTENARY By Wallace Mawire : African Reel and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Women Affairs,Gender and Community Development with other partners have initiated the inaugural Zimbabwe woman of the year awards to mark the 100th year of the International Women’s Day (IWD) centenary, according to Tafara Mbaya, spokesperson.

The IWD celebrations are conducted each year around the world on March 8 to mark the economic,political and social achievements of women.

The inaugural Zimbabwe woman of the year awards will be held in September 2011 as part of the centenary celebrations.

Mbaya says that the awards pay tribute to women who have achieved success in their respective fields, have made a difference in the broader Zimbabwean community and have inspired others to follow.

lt is understood that the idea came about after the realization that there was no event in the country that recognized,rewarded and celebrated the achievements of inspirational women who have pushed the boundaries and dared to dream.

“The awards play a vital role in the drive for gender diversity”, Mbaya says.

lt is understood that the awards will be modeled along the South African woman of the year awards and will identify and pay tribute to the country’s unsung heroines and present them as role models to the rest of Zimbabwe.

They are also meant to bring into focus the many issues that woman grapple with and issues that often make life a daily struggle.

Thirteen awards will be presented to outstanding women in categories which include:arts and culture,information and communication,business entrepreneurs,education,health,science and technology,social welfare,public sector,agriculture, women’s rights and development,young achiever,leadership and sport.

Two other special awards which are not voted for, the lifetime achievement and the minister’s award will be presented.

Mbaya adds that a committee made up of stakeholders from every sector including government ministries responsible for the different award areas had been set up in January 2011.

“The committee has come up with four nominees for each category after extensive consultations and research.”